Govt to mandate use of Conditional Access System
The Government propose to make it mandatory for the television-viewers to use Conditional Access System (CAS). CAS has been implemented in the notified areas of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Government is in the process of evaluating the implementation of CAS in the three metros and Chennai metro area. TRAI has recommended the extension of CAS in the balance area of three metros on mandatory basis.
TRAI has also forwarded a report of the Group formed of members from different segments of the broadcasting and cable sector to suggest options and roadmap for voluntary introduction of CAS and digitalization in cable television in the country on voluntary-cum-mandatory basis.
The Group has recommended a voluntary-cum-mandatory approach to introduction of CAS in fifty five cities which include all the cities with a million plus population, some cities located in the proximity of the cities to the existing CAS and it has also included all the State capitals which could not come under any of the above criteria. Recommendations of the Group are being deliberated.
The issues arising out of the implementation of CAS in the first phase and the strategies to be evolved for its smooth and successful implementation in the next phases of implementation have been discussed by Secretary, Ministry of information & Broadcasting in a meeting on 08.4.2008 with the concerned State Government officials, TRAI, Nodal Officers and various stakeholders including consumers. The Government is favourably inclined to speed up the process of digitalization and introduction of addressability by extending the CAS notified areas. The Government also wants it to be done in a manner which adequately protects consumer interest and leads to his empowerment. The details of further extension are being finalized. No time limits could be given on such policy issues.
Examining the TRP systems
In order to examine the issue of the Television Rating Points (TRP) system to rate the system of popularity of channels, the Government has solicited recommendations of TRAI for formulation of policy guidelines for Television Audience Measurement (TAM)/Television Rating Points (TRP) so as to bring greater transparency into it.
There is no proposal to call the meeting of different stakeholders on the issue before finalizing new TRP system.
